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Thermaltake Urban S21 Review

Thermaltake Urban S21 Conclusion:

Let me recap for the people who were not able to read the whole review and skipped to the end. Those of you who could contain the overwhelming urge to read this conclusion first, congrats! Did anyone ever tell you that patience is a virtue? Anyways, let me explain my reasoning and scoring method. First I look at what the company is saying they offer. For example, the company states the case supports large / long graphic cards or ten quiet fans. In any example, I examine what is advertised versus what is actually offered. Most of this becomes uncovered as I take pictures to document the product. If the company does not stay true to its word than it loses points because no one ever wants to be sold on false advertisement. Next I look at what the product is marketed for and put it into perspective. An example of this could be trying to overclock a CPU in a Mini-ITX case and expecting a low temperature. This would contradict its target market and something I try to catch so it does not affect the score. The last bit is my own interjection. What could the case offer in its price range, and what do other companies offer. This category may include an extra fan, cable management, different color paint, or support for larger video cards. This list is endless so let's move on to the conclusion.

Now let me run though the Pros and than the Cons I have listed. The Pros include a few highlights which give the case its unique offering including a clean and sleek design with rounded edges. This case is far from ugly. It also offers quiet fans through observation (no data) and a dim power light that is easy on the eyes. Far too often is the power light so intensely bright that you can't help but look away and wish it wasn't lit. The last two features – support for long graphic cards and tool-less design – are becoming more standard at the $70 price point.

Interestingly enough, every one of my objections has to do with the interior layout of the case. I think lacking the ability to run cables behind the tray is something Thermaltake could have solved. Adding even a little bit of space would have its uses; for example, being able to run the 8/4 -pin behind the tray and wrapping internal connectors behind the bays. The rest are minor issues and most notably is the phantom top fan. Neither the box nor the manual state the ability to mount a top fan, but the website shows it clearly. I can't really hold Thermaltake accountable for this because its website states the product may vary, and nothing false about this claim. Nonetheless, I think the case would have benefited from the additional fan option. Finally, when I took into account what the case is made for, I think the intended market may not be interested in aftermarket coolers. If you are then I suggest you find the measurement of the heatsink before buying.

When I received the case in the mail I was very excited because I have liked many of Thermaltake products in the past. As I took pictures and started to noticed potential flaws that in the end came to be true, I felt let down. This case, with a little tweaking, can offer so much more, but and yet stay within dollars of a few better cases and offer something different. The question really comes down to what is better vs what is offered. My Cons my not even be on your radar but are my biggest concerns. Therefore if you are trying to get a computer that looks clean with a sleek design and runs very quiet, than you could do a lot worse. For the rest of us, the smallest changes could have made a world of difference. With this case, Thermaltake didn't reinvent the wheel, nor did they keep it rolling. It is just a wheel.